Radiation-Induced Interaction between Tributyl Phosphate and Alkanes

The component and isomeric composition of the products of radiation-induced reactions between radicals formed from tributyl phosphate (TBP) and C6–C15 alkanes has been determined. It has been shown that the molecular weight distribution of the heaviest products is determined by the combination reaction of C- and P-centered TBP radicals with alkyl radicals. The total radiation-chemical yield of final alkyl phosphates and alkyl phosphonates decreased from 87 to 62 nmol/J with an increase in the carbon number of the reactant alkane. The mechanism of competitive processes leading to the degradation of TBP and an increase in the diversity of alkyl substituents in the molecules of final alkyl phosphates and alkyl phosphonates is discussed.